Electromagnetic control device



C. WOLFF ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTROL DEVICE Aug. 24, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 7, 1950 q/ v INVENTOR. Carl Wolf j BY Aug. 24, I954 Filed Nov. 7, 1950 C. WOLF F ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTROL DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

Carl Wag/ff Y Patented Aug. 24, 1954 2,687,501 ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTROL DEVICE Carl Wolfl, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to Milwaukee Gas Specialty Com a corporation of Wiscon pany, Milwaukee, Wis., sin

Application November 7, 1950, Serial No. 194,505

7 Claims.

This invention relates, in general, to control devices, and has particular relation to an improved electromagnetic control device.

While the particular device which I shall describe hereinafter in connection with the drawa cooling device or the like, it is to be understood that the device may be used for making, breaking, or changing the connections in one or more electric circuits, or for controlling other devices as suitable or desired.

The present invention may be more particularly characterized as relating to devices of the character disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Gilford I. Holmes and Russell Matthews Serial No. 180,482, filed August 19, 1950.

One of the main objects of the present invention is to provide an improved control device wherein the initial operating force which is obtained is a maximum, as distinguished from devices in which the force exerted initially is a Another object of the invention is to provide lost motion between the actuator of the electrotablishing the initial movement of the actuated device, and, more particularly, for overcoming any initial inertia and any friction, sticking, or

n'etic'ally responsive device.

Another object of the invention is to provide imparted to the actuated device after initiating movement of such device, and more particularly a device in which a hammer blow effect is produced for initiating movement of the actuated device, combined with a relatively large initial mechanical advantage followed by increased movement of the actuated device after its initial actuation.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for eliminating noise in the actuating mechanism between the actuator of the electromagnetically responsive device and the actuated device, and more particularly an improved spring arrangement for absorbing vibrations in such actuating mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved electromagnetically responsive control device in which the desired action is obtained by electric induction whereby the effects of residual magnetism are eliminated and the chances of sticking of the device, for example, in an unsafe or undesired position are reduced.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of simple, compact, and relatively inexpensive construction which will lend itself for controlling a valve, switch, or other controlling device, for example, by a thermostat or other condition responsive device.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved repulsion type electromagnetically provided with a core having a first core portion through which flux established by energiization of the winding is adapted to pass, the core having a second core portion provided with an air gap, and there being flux diverting means operable to divert flux from the first core portion to the second core portion and the air gap, and a non-magnetic and conducting member positioned to travel freely in the air gap and in which the electric current is induced with accompanying repulsion of said member by the flux diverted to the second core portion and through the air gap by the flux diverting means.

Another object of the invention is to provide through the core constitute a current limiting step-down transformer wherein the electric energy produced in a secondary winding may be relatively low and substantially constant so that the secondary circuit and a thermostat orother control device therefor will not be deleteriously afiected by the energizing current supplied to the primary winding, and so that the type of insulating conduits required for line voltage conductors are unnecessary.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which is immune to short circuits on the secondary side of the transformer from the standpoint of damage due to overheating.

Another advantage of the device of the present invention over previous devices is that the standby power loss is low; that is, there is lower power consumption when the secondary circuit is not energized. This stand-by loss compares favorably with a conventional current limiting transformer.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of one form of device embodying the present invention, with the cover removed;

Figure 2 is a'sectional view partially in elevation, taken through the electromagnetic operator substantially on the line 2-2 of Figure 1, and showing the valve body in section;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure l; and

Figure 4 is a detail section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3 showing the gas seal means for the shaft which is turned by the electromagnetic operator.

Referring to the drawings, the embodiment of the invention therein illustrated comprise a valve body I having a fluid inlet 2 and a fluid outlet 3. A valve member 512 cooperates with a valve seat 5 at the outlet 3 to control the flow of fluid through the valve body; for example, the flow of gaseous fuel to a burner (not shown), or any other fluid. It will be noted that the controlled fluid tends to hold the valve member 54 closed. This may, of course, vary within the scope of the present invention.

The valve body I has an opening 6 covered by a plate 1 which is secured in place over the opening 6, for example, by screws 8 (Figure 2). Sealing means 9 is preferably interposed between plate I and valve body I. The plate 5 is preferably formed of high specific resistance non-magnetic material, such as stainless steel.

The particular magnetic core l selected for illustration is of generally rectangular configuration, comprising a pair of parallel legs H and i2 magnetically connected at spaced locations by parallel legs l3 and i l disposed at right angles to the legs H and [2. An alternating current primary winding I is wound around the leg I l, and a secondary winding H5 is wound around the leg 13. It is to be understood, however, that either winding H5 or winding it may be the primary winding, and either winding may be the secondary winding without affecting the operation of the device. Electric power for energizing the winding i supplied from a suitable source, for example, from line wires l1 and it of a suitable source of alternating current such as a household current supply line of the type which averages about 115 volts. The terminals of the winding iii are connected to the line Wires l1 and I8 by conductors l9 and 20.

A cylinder is made up of square stock, and has a magnetic end 2|, a non-magnetic section 22, and a magnetic section 23 separated from the magnetic section 2| by the non-magnetic section 22. The non-magneticsection 22 may be formed of non-magnetic high specific resistance material, such as stainless steel, or any suitable plastic, or other non-magnetic material. The

leg H and I2 have projecting ends which abut at spaced locations against the magnetic end 2! and magnetic section 23, and are secured thereto, for example, by screws 2 1 and 25. The screws 24 cooperate with flanges 2'6 on the magnetic end 2| and with angular brackets 21 secured to the core it at 28. The screws 25 cooperate with flanges 29 on magnetic section 23 and with angular brackets 353 secured to core ii! at 31. The magnetic end 2| has an integral magnetic sleeve 32 which extends through the tubular non-magnetic section 22 and into the tubular magnetic section 23 with an annular space or air gap 33 therebetween.

A non-magnetic and electric conducting cup or sleeve 34 is free to travel in the annular air gap 33. The sleeve 3a is preferably made of electrolytic copper of high conductivity, and is necked or gathered in at one end to form a neck 35 of reduced diameter. An actuating member 36 is secured on neck 35 by a nut 3'5. A guide stem 38 is pressed-fitted as at 39 in the neck 35. The guide stem 38 rides in a bearing it press-fitted to the sleeve 32 at its right hand end as the device is shown in Figure 2. A hearing M is secured by a nut 52 to the left hand end of the guide stem 38. The bearing ll may be formed of gear pinion stock, and has a smooth radiu 43 to permit of low friction motion for the stem 38.

With the parts positioned as shown in Figure 2, the nut 3'! is spaced from a projecting stem M to provide lost motion therebetween for a purpose which will presently appear. The stem M is screwed and secured by a nut is toa crank 46. The actuating member 36 has an arm A? which carries a pin 38. The pin 38 operates in a slot 49 in the crank it as will be hereinafter more fully described. The crank .6 is splined or keyed on an actuator shaft 5i! which projects laterally from the position of the electromagnetic operator as shown in Figure 3, and has a valve operating arm 52 staked or otherwise secured to the shaft 56 at 53 so that turning of the shaft 59 will swing the arm 52 to open and close the valve 54. The position of the nut 31 relative to the stem 44 may be adjusted by replacing the lock shim 55 with lock shims of diiferent thickness, or by using a plurality of shims.

The actuating member 36 may have an integral hook 55 for cooperation with the stem 44 in closing the valve 55 as will hereinafter appear. Screws 58 and 555, provided with suitable washers 60 and 6! respectively, attach non-magnetic section 22 and magnetic section 23 to the plate I. Upon the absence of substantial magnetic flux in the gap 33, a spring 62 coiled about the stem 38 and acting against the bearings it and ll urges the stem 38, and accordingly the sleeve as, toward the left as the device is shown in Figure 2. Additional support for the magnetic core is on the plate i may be provided by threaded posts 53, one of which is shown in Figure 3.

One end of the secondary winding It may be connected by a conductor 6 for example, with a fixed contact 65 of a thermostat 66. A conductor Bl connects the other terminal 63 of the thermostat 66 to the other end of the secondary winding E6. The thermostat 66 may be positioned in a room or other space, or it may be placed where it will be subject to the temperature of a heater, or otherwise disposed as desired. It is also contemplated that the device 83, instead of being a temperature responsive thermostat, may be any other condition responsive means or other device for opening and closing the circuit of the secondary coil [6, as suitable or desired.

For the purpose form of a leaf spring of beryllium copper or other suitable material. It is fastened at one end between the nut 45 and crank 46 and portion the free leg ll of which is positioned for engagement with the pin 48 in the valve closing and the spring absorbs the vibrations so that no low level, high frequency noise can be heard.

In the operation of the device as shown in the drawings, the primary winding I is always energized from the line wires I l and It or other suitable source of power. With the thermostat es its contact (if; from conthe secondary winding 56 primary winding or coil I5 passes through the legs II, I 2, I3, and I4 of the core I0, and very little flux passes through the air gap 33, for example, from the magnetic sleeve 32 of the member 2| to the magnetic sleeve section 23.

magnetic member 2 I,

Since the sleeve 34 is, in effect, a closed loop of good conductivity, there is induced in sleeve 34 an alternating current of opposite polarity to that impressed upon the winding I 5. This alternating current so induced in turn induces an alternating flux field about the sleeve 3 2. The polarity of at least a portion of the field thus induced opposes the magnetic flux established by the energization of the winding I5. As a result the sleeve 34 is repulsed or repelled outwardly or to the right (Figure 2) out of the air gap This causes movement of the actuator nut 37 and actuating member 36 to the right from the posi-- tion shown in Figure 2.

As the sleeve 34 moves to the right, the nut 37 and stem .38 move to the right with the sleeve 34 and the nut 37 strikes the head at the outer end of the stem 44 and swings the crank 56 clockwise (Figure 2) with accompanying clockwise rotation of the shaft 50. The lost motion between the nut 37 and stem 44 provides for engag relative to the rotatable shaft 50 is considerably winding I5 is diverted,

greater than the mechanical advantage between the pin 48 and the upper surface of the slot 49 to position. Accordingly, surface 73 movement increased swinging 34 in its repulsed or repelled position.

When thermostat from contact 65, the magnetic flux established by energization of the winding I5 is again short circuited through core legs I I, it, It, and i4, and very little flux will exist in the air gap 33. Hence the spring 62 will then move the guide stem and accordingly the sleeve 34, actuating member 36, and nut 31 toward the left as the device is shown in Figure 2. In such movement the pin 48 engages the lower surface of the slot 49 and causes rapid motion of the valve 54 in valve clospredetermined motion tojust short of fully closed the head of the stem 44- is engaged by the hook 56 of the actuating member 38. produces a final closing force with a hammer effect and mechanical advantage similar to the knock off opening action between the nut 31 and stem 44 to complete the closing of the valve with a relatively great force.

While I have shown and described a flux diverting secondary winding I6 and associated core ortion, it is to be understood that the seconi r winding I6 and the cooperating core portion may be omitted within the scope of the present invention. In such case the thermostat or other means may be placed directly in the circuit between the the line conductors ii and a line voltage device which by energization of the primary winding I5 and rendered inoperable by opening the circuit for the primary wineil g.

In the operation of the valve 5:; to open position, the pin 48 moves into contact with the free leg H of the V-shaped portion of the spring It. As a result, when the valve 54 is open, the spring 10 absorbs vibrations, and there will not be any low level, high frequency noise such as may otherwise occur by vibration of the pin it against the upper inclined surface at the outer end of the slot 49. The spring 10, instead of engaging the pin 48, may engage the outer surface of the slotted portion of the crank 46 to absorb the vibrations for the purpose set forth.

An annular or o-shaped ring to gaseous hydrocarbons fits in an annular groove in: in the shaft Ell, and by cooperation with the shaft and with the inner periphery of the opening If in the member 3 forms a seal for preventing leakage of gas out along the shaft 5&2 from the interior of the valve body I. The O or ring seal I!!!) has negligible rotational friction.

As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 3, the electromagnetic control device is enclosed disengages contact 88 "7 within a housing I82 which may be removably secured in place to'the plateor member i, for example, by screws N13. The sides of the housing W2 may have longitudinal corrugations or folds H34, and the outer surface of the housing It?! may have louvers or openings N15.

The embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be expressly understood that said drawings and the accompanying specification are not to be construed as a definition of the limits or scope of the invention, reference being had to the appended claims for that purpose.

I claim:

1.. an electromagnetic operator comprising, in combination, an outer magnetically permeable sleeve, an inner magnetically permeable sleeve isposed within and coaxial with said outer sleeve with an annular air gap therebetween, means for producing magnetic fiux in said sleeves and across said air gap, a non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve disposed between said inner and outer sleeves, said nonmagnetic and electric conducting sleeve being movable rectilinearly in one direction in said gap by reaction of electric current induced in said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve with magnetic flux across said air gap, said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve having a reduced neck projecting beyond the adjacent end of said inner sleeve, an actuating head on said reduced neck, a guide stem carried at one end by said reduced neck beyond said adjacent end of said inner sleeve for rectilinear movement with said nonmagnetic and electric conducting sleeve and projecting coaxially into said inner sleeve, a first bearing for said guide stem carried internally within the adjacent end of said inner sleeve, a second bearing for said guide stem carried by said stein. in spaced relation to said first bearing and co-acting with the inner surface of said inner sleeve, and a spring coiled about said stem and within said inner sleeve and coacting at opposite ends with said bearings to bias said non-magnetic electric conducting sleeve rectilinearly in the opposite direction.

2. An electromagnetic operator comprising, in combination, an outer magnetically permeable sleeve, an inner magnetically permeable sleeve disposed within and coaxial with said outer sleeve with an annular air gap therebetween, means for producing magnetic flux in said sleeves and across said air gap, a. non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve disposed between said inner and outer sleeves, said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve being movable rectilinearly in one direction in said air gap by reaction of electric current induced in said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve with magnetic flux across said air gap, said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve having a reduced neck projecting beyond the adjacent end of said inner sleeve, an actuating head on said reduced neck, a guide stem carried at one end by said reduced neck beyond said adjacent end of said inner sleeve for rectilinear movement with said nonmagnetic and electric conducting sleeve and projecting coaxially into said inner sleeve, a first bearing for said guide stem carried internally within the adjacent end of said inner sleeve, a second bearing for said guide stem carried by said stem in spaced relation to said first bearing and coacting with the inner surface of said inner sleeve, a spring coiled about said stem and within said inner sleeve and coacting at opposite ends with said bearings to bias said ynonmagnetic and electric conducting sleeve rectilinearly in the opposite direction, and operator means comprising a pivoted arm projecting into the path or rectilinear movement of said actuating head and spaced from said head when said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve is in its biased position to provide lost motion between said actuating head and said arm for engagement of said actuating head with said arm with a hammer blow effect in the rectilinear movement imparted to said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve by reaction of electric current induced in said sleeve with magnetic flux across said air gap.

3. An electromagnetic operator comprising, in combination, an outer magnetically permeable sleeve, an inner magnetically permeable sleeve disposed within and coaxial with said outer sleeve with an annular air gap th-erebetween, means for producing magnetic flux in said sleeves and across said air gap, a non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve disposed between said inner and outer sleeves, said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve being movable rectilinearly in one direction in said air gap by reaction of electric current induced in said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve with magnetic flux across said air gap, said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve having a reduced neck projecting beyond the adjacent end of said inner sleeve, an actuating head on said reduced neck, a guide stem carried at one end by said reduced neck beyond said adjacent end of said inner sleeve for rectilinear movement with said nonmagnetic and electric conducting sleeve and projecting coaxially into said inner sleeve, a first bearing for said guide stem carried internally within the adjacent end of said inner sleeve, a second bearing for said guide stem carried by said stem in spaced relation to said first bearing and coacting with the inner surface. of said inner sleeve, 3, spring coiled about said stem and within said inner sleeve and coacting at opposite ends with said bearings to bias said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve rectilinearly in the opposite direction, operator means comprising a pivoted arm projecting into the path of rectilinear movement of said actuating head and spaced from said head when said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve is in its biased position to provide lost motion between said actuating head and said arm for engagement of said actuating lead with said arm with a hammer blow eifect in the rectilinear movement imparted to said non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve by reaction of electric current induced in said sleeve with magnetic flux across said air gap, an actuating linkage connection between said non rnagnetic and electric conducting sleeve and said operator means for imparting increased and faster movement to said operator means after initial movement thereof by said actuating head, and means for absorbing vibrations in said linkage connection to eliminate noise in said connection.

l, An electromagnetic operator comprising, in combination, an outer magnetically permeable sleeve, an inner magnetically permeable sleeve disposed within and coaxial with said outer sleeve with an annular air gap therebetween, means for producing magnetic flux in said sleeves and across said air gap, a non-magnetic and electric conducting sleeve disposed between said inner and outer sleeves, said non-magnetic and election of which extends generally in the direction in one direction in said air gap by reaction of of the rectilinear movement of said actuator, said tric conducting sleeve having a reduced neck proactuator and operating in said slot, said pin coecting beyond the ad acent end of said inner acting with said inclined surface after initial eeve, an actuating head on said reduced neck, movement of said actuator to impart by said reca guide stem carried at one end by said reduced tilinear movement of said actuator pivotal moveneck beyond said adjacent end of said inner 1O ment to said pivoted operator, and a spring carsleeve for rectilinear movement with said nonried by said pivoted operator and coacting after magnetic and e ectric conducting sleeve and proinitial actuation of said pivoted operator with a Within the adjacent end of said inner sleeve, a nection afforded by said pin and inclined surface.

second bearing for said guide stem carried by 6 A device according to claim 5 wherein said said stem in spaced relation to said first bearing spring is of generally V-shaped form with a free and coacting with the inner surface of said inangular leg disposed generally in the direction of ner sleeve, a spring coiled about said stem and said inclined surface of said slot. within said inner sleeve and coacting at opposite 7. A device according to claim 5 wherein said ends with said hearings to bias said non-magpivoted operator has an arm projecting into the netic and electric conducting sleeve rectilinearly path of rectilinear movement of said actuator in the opposite direction, a pivoted operator havand spaced from said actuator when the acpath of rectilinear movement of said actuating tion between said actuator and said arm for enhead and spaced from said head when said nongagement of said actuator with said arm with a magnetic and electric conducting sleeve is in its hammer blow effect in the rectilinear movement biased position to provide lost motion between of said actuator.

of said actuating head with said arm with a ham- References C d in the fi of t is p ent mer blow effect in the rectilinear movement im- UNITED STATES PATENTS parted to said non-magnetic and elec rie conducting sleeve by reaction of electric current in- Number Name Date duced in said sleeve with magnetic flux across 308129 Ba'fium 1884 said air gap, a pin carried by the reduced neck 1 'Ifhognson sept' 3 g of said non-magnetic and electric conducting 5 1 2 g i -g E 5 i 3 sleeve, said pin operating in the slot in said piv- 43 Rockwell; A y 1931 oted operator and coacting with said operator N C b 1933 for imparting, after initial movement of said opf e erator by said actuating head, increased and fasnck ter movement to said operator, and a spring car- 2051938 225 2 2 ried by said operator and coacting with said pin 2082210 MOM 1937 to absorb vibrations and eliminate noise in the 2155358 C as er un 1939 operator actuating connection aiforded by said yr pin and operator. Galtn r 24, 5. In a device of the class described, in combiggggg 553g; ii? 13:; nation, a rectilinearly movable actuator having 2529533 Almon 5 1950 a retracted position and operable to projected position, a pivoted operator having a. slot a por- 

